Getting a promotion at work isn’t easy. You have to earn it, but contrary to popular belief it isn’t all about working hard.
Follow our 8 tips and see if that promotion comes your way.
1. Build strong relationships
If you’re looking to take that next step up, building strong relationships and connections at work is crucial. Do you have a good working relationship with your Manager? Do your colleagues respect and enjoy working with you? Are you well-known around the office? Do you have valuable industry connections? Sometimes it’s less about what you know, but who you know that counts.
2. Know your goals and make sure your boss knows them too
Setting yourself goals and deadlines for when you want to achieve them is key to succeeding in both your professional and personal lives. If you know what you want and when you want it, you can create a clear action plan to make it happen.
If a promotion at work is one of your goals, part of your action plan should be making sure your boss knows about it. Have an honest discussion with them about your career and where you see it going. If they know what you want, they can help you make the right steps to get there.
3. Go the extra mile
A promotion at work is unlikely to be handed to you on a plate, you have to earn it! The most successful professionals don’t just do what they’re told, they use their initiative, go the extra mile and really make things happen. What more can you do? Take on that extra responsibility, offer advice and help to your colleagues and fully utilise the skills you have at work.
4. Get feedback
Do you think you’ve deserved a promotion for a while now? Sometimes you need to be more proactive and being direct with your boss and asking “What do I need to do to get a promotion?” might just be your best option. Are there skills you need to develop or specific areas you can improve on? Getting feedback from your manager will enable you to work on the aspects that they are looking for.
5. Develop your knowledge and skills
How can you add value to the business? What skills are the most crucial in your industry? Are you keeping up to date with industry trends and events (even outside of your speciality)?
It goes without saying that expanding your knowledge and skill set is only going to make you more successful in your career. In fact, many experts state that those employees who really keep up with what’s happening in their industry are much more likely to get ahead.
6. Ask for more responsibility
Asking for more responsibility shows that you are ready to step up. It also shows that you’re interested and enthusiastic about helping your department and company succeed. If you’re successful in your tasks, you are proving your value to the organisation and putting a spotlight on your potential.
7. Be professional
It’s important to maintain your professionalism at all stages of your career, but even more so when you’re looking for a promotion at work. Do you act and look the part? Can your team depend on you? Do you have a positive attitude? The answer to all of these questions should be YES!
8. Consider all of the factors at play
Sometimes, achieving a promotion at work isn’t just about proving your worth and having the right skills, there may be numerous other factors at play. Analysing your corporate culture will help you establish what other areas you need to work on. Maybe your current company isn’t able to match your ambitions and you need to look elsewhere to make the next step on your career ladder.
If you want a promotion at work, you can make it happen. Follow these 8 tips and go get it!
